Instructions for Completing Certifications (Clearances)

A Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History Clearance and Federal Criminal Clearance are required by law to be obtained by everyone who is employed by a School Entity and must be processed under the PA Department of Education. Directions for obtaining background certification (clearance) records are as follows:

PA Child Abuse History Clearance - The Child Abuse History Certificate can be completed online. Request for clearance statements (now called "certifications") may be made online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS. Beginning July 25, 2015, the cost is $13.00. Upon signing on to the Child Welfare Portal, you will be asked to "Create Individual Account" or "Individual Login". If this is your first time to the site, you will select "Create Individual Account". Here you will be asked to create your Keystone ID# (this is an ID that you will create for yourself that must be 6-10 characters and include One capital and one number and retain for later use). You will be given the option to have a copy mailed to you. Upon completion and submission of your application you will be notified via email when your certification is ready to view online (anywhere from 1 day to 4 weeks). You will then log back into your account on the Child Welfare Portal and select Individual Login" to access and print out the certificate. If you selected to have a copy mailed to you, it could take 4-8 weeks or longer.

PA State Police - Request for Criminal Record Check - The Pennsylvania Criminal History can be done online. The online results are available almost immediately. To complete the process online, go to https://epatch.state.pa.us and click on Submit a New Record Check" and follow the instructions. Please select "Employment"as the Reason for Request. Beginning December, 2017, the cost is $22.00. At the end of the process, you will be shown a receipt on the screen (which you print if you want a receipt). In the middle of the receipt you will see "Certification Form" in blue. Click on this and it will bring up your Criminal Background Certificate which you will then print.

Federal Criminal History Record through IdentoGo - The FBI Federal Criminal History requires individuals to have fingerprints digitally rolled at registered fingerprinting site. You must first register for the process. This can be done either online at http://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania and entering 1KG6XN as the Service code. Click on Schedule/Manage Employment. Go through the screens and enter information as required. You will have the ability to enter your zip code and the system will then take you to a screen with a local IdentoGO service centers. Click on one of those centers where you will go to be printed. You can make an appointment on-line or click walk in. Payment is taken at the Center. After making that choice, it will take you to a Service Summary Page. Print that page and remember to bring the identification document you indicated when registering. The cost is currently $22.60.